Neville scouts Khedira as United renew interest

Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Real Madrid's Sami Khedira by sending assistant coach Phil Neville to watch the midfielder in action at the Bernabeu last week.

Neville watched Khedira in action during Madrid's thrilling 7-3 victory over Sevilla last week, a clear signal of intent that David Moyes is weighing up a £35 million move for the midfielder in January.

United were unsuccessful in signing Khedira in a controversial summer which saw limited transfer activity under Moyes, and the Scot will see the German international as crucial in reviving United's fortunes in the Premier League.

Capturing Khedira will be even more important with the news that Marouane Fellaini is set to miss two months because of a wrist operation.

Khedira has made no secret of his belief that Real have treated him unfairly in recent months, which seems to make a move to the Premier League more likely.

"I'm not a Spanish player, I did not cost a lot of money and I am one of [former manager Jose] Mourinho's disciples. I started the season on the bench or in the stands. Even if I play well, I am the scapegoat and so will not be properly valued."